Upon arriving in New York City in November of 1867, Sam took a short-lived Secretaryship with Senator Stewart until December 16, 1867. In March of 1868, the Alta informed Sam that he could not use his letters to them in a book. Sam decided to argue the case and soon left Washington for California.
Despite the heavy burden of work that faced him, it is nevertheless clear that Mark Twain had determined, even before his arrival, to lecture in California and Nevada, covering, in general, the same itinerary as his 1866 tour. He needed money, and he knew that no other activity promised so lucrative and quick a financial return as the platform. He lost no time in making his plans known. In reporting his arrival in San Francisco, the Alta California announced on April 3 that the genial and jolly humorist proposed to lecture in a few days. (Lorch, p. 74)
April 17 – 29, 1868 - Lecture Tour, California and Nevada: at least 7 engagements - "Pilgrim Life"
Clemens took the California Steam Navigation Company’s daily steamer to Sacramento on 16 April, where he lectured the following night. After also lecturing in nearby Marysville (18 April), Nevada City (20 April), and Grass Valley (21 April), he returned to Sacramento, and on 23 April took the 6:30 a.m. Central Pacific train for Nevada (Langley 1867, “Advertising Department,” vii; “Railroads and Stages,” San Francisco Alta California, 23 Apr 68, 4).
To Samuel Williams 14 April 1868 • San Francisco, Calif.
November 17, 1868 - March 3, 1869 Eastern Lecture Tour: at least 43 engagements - "The American Vandal Abroad" Partially managed by G. L. Torbert and by Clemens himself,.
Twain began the tour in Cleveland. He worked on this first lecture with Mary Fairbanks before starting out as much was riding on his success as a lecturer in the East.